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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Martin H. Beach (ASN: 0-5425474), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Beach distinguished himself by heroic actions on 6 February 1968, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation, Company A came under an intense hostile attack. During the initial contact the 3d Platoon Leader was wounded. Unhesitatingly Lieutenant Beach assumed command of the platoon, and with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to a heavy volume of fire as he directed an assault against the hostile position, personally destroying the bunker with hand grenades. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant Beach’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 9, 1968
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7389 (October 18, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Martin H. Beach (ASN: 0-5425474), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Beach distinguished himself by heroic actions on 9 February 1968, while serving as an artillery forward observer with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Company A was on a reconnaissance in force mission near the village of Tan Hoa when they came under fierce hostile fire from well-fortified positions. The company was ordered to pull back so that air strikes could be directed against the enemy emplacements. While pulling back, the friendly force was surrounded by the enemy. Two men were wounded, and Lieutenant Beach, with complete disregard for his own safety, left his covered position, exposing himself to hostile fire in order to aid the injured personnel. Lieutenant Beach fearlessly exposed himself to the devastating fire as he ran across an open area to retrieve the wounded. While returning with the casualties, Lieutenant Beach was wounded by an RPG round, but courageously assisted his colleagues to safety. His valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives. Lieutenant Beach’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    77th Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 23 – 25, 1969
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2246 (June 25, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Martin H. Beach (ASN: 0-5425474), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery C, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Beach distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 23 to 25 February 1969 while serving as commander of a battery section of Fire Support Base Mahoney II in Bin Duong Province. When the camp came under enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain Beach ran through the barrage to alert his gun crews. A rocket-propelled grenade stuck within the parapet of one howitzer, wounding all the members in the section. Captain Beach immediately assisted the wounded and then manned the howitzer until a new crew could be formed. Then, while moving from section to section he was wounded in the foot by fragmentation from a rocket grenade. Despite his painful wound, he took charge of a reaction force and assaulted the enemy who had overrun a perimeter bunker. After rescuing the fortification, he directed the firing of beehive rounds on the advancing enemy. Only after the assailants had withdrawn did he allow himself to be medically treated. On 25 February, when the foe renewed the assault, Captain Beach again braved hostile bombardment to supervise the direct fire on the attacking ground forces. When the communists threatened to penetrate the perimeter, he led the reaction force and one howitzer section in thwarting the attempt. While on the perimeter, he was responsible for eliminating two enemy automatic weapons positions. He continued to move about the battery, directing and supervising defensive firing until the enemy broke off the attack. Captain Beach’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.